Life!

Tuesday Goodness

2012-01-31T17:25:00.000-08:00

Emily and I had the whole day to do whatever we wanted. So, we went to Camas Antiques. I'm sure glad we made the trip after dropping off our dry cleaning. I not only found a great table, but also a matching chair. The table is a perfect little home for our new record player that we received from my ma for Christmas. I will post the final view in our home later this week. In the meantime, here are our new accessories courtesy of the designer. Be sure to check out Amanda's blog and space at Camas Antiques.

I bet you didn't know...

2012-01-11T13:07:00.001-08:00

Talking with a group of teenagers can break your heart and mend your soul all at the same time. I am truly humbled.

Check it.

I May Need to Make the Trip

2012-01-04T20:48:00.006-08:00

My favorite author is making her way to the west coast:

Sunday, February 26, 2012
JCC of San Francisco
11:00a.m.: Onstage interview and signing

I may pee my pants.

For a seriously great reading experience, pick up anything by Nicole Krauss. (The History of Love will rock your world.)

A Lovely Poem

2012-01-03T20:19:00.000-08:00

Found by a wonderful student, Kelsea!

Children

And a woman who held a babe against her bosom said, 'Speak to us of Children.'

And he said:

Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.

They come through you but not from you,

And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts.

For they have their own thoughts.

You may house their bodies but not their souls,

For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.

Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;

For even as he loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.

-Khalil Gibran

Greetings!

2011-12-28T21:49:00.002-08:00

Every time I have sat down to write a post, I instantly erase it and carry on with other things... like laundry or washing my hair. I swear everything I type seems insignificant. I assume this is because I'm a little "type shy". Well, I'm done with all that nonsense. Read on if you wish to know about a fantastic Christmas get-a-way. It was out of this world.

Picture this: two brothers, their wives, and their two baby girls in a cabin, on the coast, for Christmas weekend. It was amazing in every way... minus Emily being a bit of a baby about not having her crib. Apparently she is as much of a home body as her parents. Thankfully, our sweet little niece was able to sleep through most of Emily's crying at bed time and random times in the middle of the night.

We ate, lounged, walked on the beach, took pictures, and even played board games. It was seriously rad. I can't wait until we do it again next year!

Maybe with four babies...

Our view from the living room and kitchen:

Looking to the right:

My favorite view of all:

Dear Abby

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

I love my job for so many reasons. I feel seriously blessed to have found a profession that fits me like my favorite jeans. The students are the best part. This past week I was able to assign a great little task courtesy of Abby. Abby sent me an email last Sunday with the following question included:

Shouldn't your best friends, BFF, be someone you admire at least enough to want to be like? Not in the sense that you copy everything they do, but in that you look at who they are and say to yourself, "that's really cool. I want to try and implement that in my life."? Just a thought.

The 9th graders had just finished reading The Chosen. One topic covered in this little jem of a book is friendship. I presented the above question to the students, all 82 of them, and asked them to write Abby back in the form of a letter. They were to answer her question based on their reading and life experience. The responses amazed me. They were so thoughtful and kind. I promptly mailed all 82 letters to Abby that afternoon. I knew that I couldn't talk to Abby for the next three days for fear of spilling the beans! I love using the good old post office.

Abby received the letters and called right away... of course. It was a super writing prompt, but more importantly, it was a reminder to the students, and myself, that one never stops seeking for what it means to be a true friend and to have a true friendship. Thank you, Dear Abby.

Whom isn't...

2011-10-24T05:37:00.000-07:00

I love it when I hear people say, "There's nothing to do". Seriously? Nothing? Especially in the great Northwest, there is always something to do. That being said, we're all busy, however, I was reminded of how great it can be to do nothing- plan nothing. This summer was super busy with numerous weddings, a funeral, and a few out of town guests. We had a great time, but I always love when Fall rolls around and I can do what I love to do without feeling guilty: read, cook cozy meals, and kick it with the family while it rains outside. This Fall is extra amazing due to you know who! She makes everything better.

I will have another pass time this Fall too- talking on the phone. I usually HATE the phone, however, with my BFF in New York, I have found it's not too bad. I would rather have her here, but at the end of the day, I still get to glean from her wisdom, laugh with her, and have the comfort of knowing there is someone who knows so much about me that I need not explain half of what I'm feeling. It's great to have a good friend whom knows you... really knows you. We had a great 2-hour convo on Saturday that produced many thoughts regarding who you let into your life and how far. I have always kept my little circle small, but with the addition of a little one, it seems I'm even more cautious. This is a blessing and a curse.

I have taken up sewing this year as well. I will reveal my first ever sewing project this week. I gifted the project to my brother and his new wifey on their wedding day. I can't wait to share!

Yes Please!

2011-08-06T10:20:00.001-07:00

I was recently grocery shopping when I dropped a very large glass bottle of olive oil. Boo hiss. It broke when it hit the concrete floor. Oil and glass shards went everywhere including all over my killer bronze wedge sandals and favorite jeans. I was able to salvage the jeans, but not my standby shoes.

While reading up on one of my favorite blogs, I found these. Do I dare?

Our little fishy

2011-07-28T09:54:00.004-07:00

Ryan and I met while SCUBA diving. Well, not literally. It is still a hobby we share. I can't get enough of the water. I had my first swim at 4 months old. Emily had her's at three months old. We are so proud of her!

Ryan's dad and his wife have a pool that was open and ready to go on the 4th. We swam, laughed, ate, and had an all around great time. We then went to my ma's for a fantastic fireworks show hosted by Mitch. Emily was a tired girl by the time we got home. It was fabulous!

Getting reading to go under...

OK, here we go!

She is so fun

and brave.

Our little family.

Emily laughing at Grandpa Joe. This may be an all time favorite of mine.

I go a little overboard with the sunscreen.

A Follow-Up

2011-07-27T08:09:00.011-07:00

The post titled "Choices" below has generated the most comments and conversation ever on this blog. 28 people opted to have their comments not posted, rather, sent straight to my personal email or my Facebook email. All but one of those comments were from people my age with divorced parents. I was overcome with the responses of people my age trying to navigate their way through adult life with children, spouses, in-laws, holidays, and all the other aspects that make up life while also adding in the difficult piece of having divorced parents.

The post was simply commentary based on my experience with divorce. A lot has happened since my parents divorced almost ten years ago. Shockingly, some things have become easier while other things have not. My dad remarried and has an almost three year old daughter with his wife. My mom is with a wonderful man and they will be married soon as well. To say my life turned out different than I thought it would is an understatement. To say that I'm not happy with how it turned out is a misinterpretation of my words. As with most things in life, the key is to adapt. In my case, it may take a while. However, when I do accept and understand why something has changed or is different than what I expected, I do so with a full heart and no strings attached.

The Choices post started a meaningful conversation. One person wrote " it's a conversation our society desperately needs to have". I did not write the post in haste. For the first time I asked Ryan if he was OK with me posting it since the post referred to his experience as well. My heart if heavy with one response. I deleted the post for an evening, but I felt that it needed to be re-posted with one correction. Holidays are not "the worst". Holidays are difficult. We all work hard to make the holidays special and pleasant. That does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. I believe family dynamics are hard when people do not know exactly where one is coming from. The post Choices comes from a place of trying to understand, deal, and discuss as well as a place of love for my old, new, and growing family.

Choices

2011-07-27T08:09:00.009-07:00

Ryan's parents divorced when he was in 9th grade. Mine separated when I was a Junior in high school. They divorced sometime later... I'm not sure exactly when. Either way, it profoundly changed both of us. It continues to shape our lives everyday. I didn't realize that having divorced parents would be such an issue when we had Emily. Divorce is ugly, sad, and it devastates families. I don't care how people try to sugarcoat it. It sucks. It will suck forever; there is no way around it.

I showed a documentary to my Juniors this last year called: Operation Homecoming; Writing the Wartime Experience. It's great and available on instant Netflix. A veteran said: "There are some things one should not heal from: a broken home and war." This hit me hard. It hit the students hard as well. Many students wrote about their experience with divorce. It broke my heart. I wonder if parents know/truly understand the impact they are having on their children when they decide to divorce. When they decide to leave. It isn't just an issue of being "happy". It's an issue of stability. The family unit provides stability. That is what children need: stability, love, and consistency.

So, Emily has four sets of grandparents. People say, "More people to love her!". I don't agree. Of course it means more people to love her, but it also means a life that is different for her due to the choices of others. She is lucky to have eight people in the role of grandparent, but it's hard being that Ryan and I grew up with our parents married. It's not as though we had to travel between houses- we each had the traditional family experience for most of our lives. Three of our four parents re-married later. We don't think of their spouses as "step-parents". It's different. It's a reality I didn't think I would live. I didn't want divorced parents (who does?). I don't want Emily to be afraid that Ryan and I will divorce. I don't want Emily to think that divorce is the norm. I want her to know that we are a family unit. Always. Period.

I'm writing this because I know a lot of people my age are dealing with the same issues we are. Holidays are difficult. How does one decide where to spend Christmas without traveling to four different homes, eating four different Christmas dinners, opening too many gifts, and not hurting anyone's feelings? How does one explain the reality of divorce to a child?

A very lovely post. Enjoy!

2011-07-07T13:51:00.003-07:00

http://www.thelittlestblog.com/2011/07/mama-kanga-baby-roo.html

Trip of a lifetime

2011-07-03T17:19:00.003-07:00

First meeting of Emily and her great-great-grandmother Cline.

Emily is blessed enough to have TWO great-great grandmothers. Last weekend we made the trip to visit my great-grandmother Cline. My mom, Mitch, Ryan, Emily, and Lucy joined me on a trip I will never forget. We left at 2:30 AM. Emily fell right back asleep, and so did I. We woke up at 4:45 in The Gorge. It was breathtaking. Ryan parked the truck at a spot that overlooked The Gorge with us facing the sun that was rising. I nursed Emily while Ryan and Lucy went for a little walk. Emily went right back to sleep and we were once again on our way.

We arrived just in time for a shower my mom's friends put on for us. It was intimate and lovely. Later that day we went to see my great-grandma Cline. She is 97, witty, and just as lovely as I remembered her to be. She was so excited to meet Emily. My great-grandma Cline is the mother of my mom's mom. Five generations between her and I. My grandma died in a car accident in 2001. I wish she could have met Emily.

Five Generations

We visited for a couple hours and then went to visit my grandpa. It was a lot of visiting, but Emily did wonderful. We finally got to bed at 11:30 that night. We left at 9 the next morning to come home. The drive home was just as positive as the ride there. Emily successfully completed her first road trip!

It was the best of times

2011-07-03T16:47:00.000-07:00

Emily and Grandma Sue at our Father's day bbq.

Emily all ready for a day of shopping with the girls!

With our home on the upward swing, Ryan and I felt comfortable enough to have his brother, his brother's wife, and their 5.5 month old baby stay with us for a week. I was beyond excited. I was up til midnight every night for a week prepping for their arrival. We still hadn't moved everything in from the remodel, so we had some work to do. Thankfully, I had the help of my mom and mother-in-law. I was also finishing up work the week they were to visit. I was busy. But hey, everyone is busy.

Emily and Grandpa Joe

Emily, Ryan, and Darin

The week was wonderful. I had to work only two days and then I was off on summer break. Chelsea, my sister in law, watched Emily while Ryan and I were working. She also made some killer snicker doodles and banana bread. They had a blast. We had dinners, a date night, a girls only shopping day, and just good old fashioned hang out time with family. It was the first time we had company stay, and it felt great. Emily and her cousin, Aubrey, had a great time as well. They were so cute exploring each other. Aubrey is just amazing and adorable. Emily is growing everyday. We are so in love with both girls. Every night I went to bed feeling so blessed to have a wonderful nuclear family, but also a wonderful extended family. I have had some seriously tough family issues this year. It was nice to enjoy the simple and loving company of Darin, Chelsea, and little Aubrey.

I was honestly sad to have the week end. It flew by. I hope they can move up here soon, however, I just know Aubrey and Emily are going to be BFF no matter how far apart they are:-).

You're not a jerk; you're a mama.

2011-06-05T09:25:00.002-07:00

Last night was a bit of an earth shaker for me. My good friend, Cinamon, was having a killer birthday celebration. She brought it back old school with roller skating and actual invites delivered by the good old post office. I was set to go with the family. Emily had a sweet outfit fit for a roller rink, my hair was curled, and Ryan had the camera locked and loaded. Emily, however, had different plans.

Sleep was not on Emily's agenda yesterday. So, when she needed to go down at 5:00 PM, I thought we were golden for leaving at 7. Well, she kept on sleeping. 7:30 rolled around. Still sleeping. I decided that if she was still sleeping at 9 I would just go the party by myself. Ryan was bummed, but he knew how much I wanted to go celebrate Cinamon's birthday. Cinamon is one of those super selfless people who really knows how to make people feel special. I wanted to make sure she knew how special I think she is. But guess who wakes up at 9 on the dot? Yes, Emily! Super. So, I nurse her and am eager to get on with the evening. I decide to wait to see where the after party is because the skating rink is a bit of a drive and would be over by the time I got there at 10. Skating lasted until 10:30. At this time I know Emily will need to eat again at 11. I go the the freezer. No milk. Really. I need to pump so Ryan can feed her. I find out the after party is 45 minutes from our house. Bummer. I can't be gone for more than 2.5 hours, because there isn't any milk stored and Emily will need to eat. This means I would have a whole 30 minutes to show my friend how much she means to me. Lame.

I decide that I should stay home (it's now 11:15 PM). I call Cinamon. I feel like a jerk. Our other friend, Sarahanne, who is there like a good friend, reassures me that all is good. It's late. Ryan grabs a cigar, and I grab a dark brew. I tell Ryan how lame I feel. He reminds me it's 11:30 PM and that we have a two month old baby. He also reminds me that my friends understand that and that I am indeed not a jerk, but a mama. Emily cries. She eats. We sleep. I am slowly embracing this wonderful new life.

Our 8 Week Little Sleeper

2011-05-27T15:41:00.002-07:00

She melts my heart.

More pictures of her super cute nursery to come. I have a few more things to tackle.

Emi has three choices of where to sleep in our house. Of course she could care less where I put her. She has started napping in her crib (such a big girl), but she is still sleeping in her cradle at night. This is mostly for my convenience. The cradle was build by Ryan's dad, Joe, when Ryan was born. So sweet.

Time Flies!

2011-05-27T12:56:00.000-07:00

It has been an emotional week at my work. It will continue to be next week when I return for the last three weeks before summer break. I can't believe I'm going back to work, but I love my job so much that I couldn't stay away. Emily is getting so big and strong. She is alert and having so much fun learning about her new environment. I'll miss her like crazy for those four hours I'll be teaching.

Good news: She's in very good hands with her two grandmas. What a lucky girl. It's only for 17 days. How lucky are we?

Bad news: I'll probably be a basket case the first few days. Good thing my students rock.

Word Up, Natalie Portman

2011-05-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

"I’m tough on myself in terms of the standards I want to live up to, but that’s also part of my pleasure: knowing you are being your fullest self.

Being your fullest self is a lot of work.”

6 Weeks of Pure Goodness

2011-05-11T17:32:00.000-07:00

My First

2011-05-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

2011-04-28T19:36:00.004-07:00

I didn't know I was going to turn into a cloth diaper lover. I wasn't sure about the poop situation, however, I also didn't know about Bum Genius cloth diapers. I'm in love with Cotton Babies. We are lucky enough to have a store in our great town, and I visit there about once a week. We took our "baby class" at Cotton Babies, a cloth diapering class, they made our car seat safe, and they hooked me up with the perfect (almost) nursing bra. Needless to say, they are amazing.

Back to cloth diapering. I received a lot of crap, pun intended, about Ryan and I using cloth diapers. We heard it all: "It's going to stink in your house", "You won't be able to keep up with it", and "Why would you even bother?". I may have listened to those Negative Nancys if I hadn't been educated about all the options out there for people who decide to use cloth.

Cloth diapers have come a long way. No more plastic pants and dangerous pins. They are actually super cute, easy to use, and easy to clean (especially if you breastfeed). We decided to use Bum Genius All-In-One (AIO) diapers. AIO diapers are similar to disposable diapers in the way they fit and are designed. They fit great and are secured using Velcro.

I love that these diapers can be adjusted to fit your baby so easily. Also, you can add inserts to make the diaper more absorbent at night. We bought 10 of the XS size for Emily to use first. I also bought two hemp inserts for night time use. We will switch over to the Flip System with Indian pre folds when she is big enough. We may actually buy the small size Bum Genius AIOs for Emily before beginning with the Flip System. We'll see.

With ten AIOs, I do one load of diapers a day. I just start a load with six or seven diapers so we don't run out. I can't express how easy it is to use these cloth diapers. I also can't express how great it is to not waste time and money on disposables (not to mention the environmental issues).

I would also suggest using cloth wipes if you are using cloth diapers. It just makes sense and is also super easy. I plan on making my own wipes this month. Flannel is a great fabric to consider when making baby wipes.

Please don't be afraid of cloth diapers. They are seriously awesome.

To Grandmother's House We Go

2011-04-26T11:03:00.001-07:00

Bath Time!

2011-04-26T10:57:00.005-07:00

Teeny tiny Emily has to take baths in the sink. She is not a fan.

It's a team effort to get the water temperature just right, scrub her up, have a towel ready, and try to console her through the process. I have no doubt our little sweetie will love water, how could she not, but it may take some getting used to.

This is the kind of picture that reminds me how lucky I am.

Finally, all snuggled in and content.

Emily's Birth Story (the short version)

2011-04-20T10:15:00.004-07:00

I figure I had better get Emily's birth story written before she is 21. First of all, it was amazing. Her birth was amazing due to all the wonderful support we have in our lives... I'll get to all that.

After several, four, horrible experiences at The Woman's Clinic of __________, Ryan and I decided to seek out a midwife and have a home birth. We were already 21 weeks into the pregnancy and a little worried. Abby's sister had two home births with the same midwife team that delivered her, Abby, and two of her brothers. I quickly got her info, and Ryan and I met with her at Starbucks. We fell in love. Mary and Pita are a mother and daughter midwife team. Mary has delivered over 3,000 babies, and she has been doing this gig for over 30 years. We could not have felt more confident. Mary came to our home for all prenatal appointments. How cool is that?!? She has a holistic approach to health and is a firm believer that pregnancy is not an illness. Our thoughts exactly.

I will say that my pregnancy was wonderful. I loved every minute of it. Ryan and I feel lucky to have had such a great experience while I was carrying Emily. For me, enjoying the pregnancy was half mental. If you have the mentality that your body is made to create this life, you are more apt to not think of the changes in your body as an illness. I also think that getting up early, moving, working, eating well, and living life as normal as possible is so important. Our birthing classes reinforced the idea that pregnancy is natural. Our midwife, Pita, and her friend, Amber, taught our Bradley birthing class. It was a ten week series that set us up for the successful birth of Emily. (Off soapbox)

We wanted to have a non-medicated birth at home. I knew I would not be relaxed and/or comfortable in any other setting besides our house. I wanted to be free to move and labor however I felt most comfortable. I didn't want anyone checking my progress or filling my head with fear/doubts about my body's ability to give birth. Our birth team was behind us 100%. Not only that, but they love births. Everything about them.

OK, so our story. It was 6:15AM on March 29th. Ryan and I were slow to get out of bed that morning. We had been going full speed on the remodel. Our drywall guy was showing up at 6:30AM to finish up. Our house was, and still is, EMPTY except our new room, new bathroom, and laundry room. I will refer to this area as our little "studio". My water broke on the way to the bathroom. I don't think anyone was more surprised than I was. I said to Ryan, "What do I do?". He replied, "Go to the bathroom." He is so logical like that. I called my team teacher, Jois, to let her know what was up. I then arranged for another teacher to cover my first period. The 3rd person I called was our midwife. Silly. She should have been the first, but I was in denial. I was actually in denial until after the birth of Emily. I'm just saying, I had a lot to do before Emily came into this world. Funny how quickly things change.

Once our midwife, Mary, confirmed that my water had broke and that our baby was coming very soon, Ryan went to work to tie up some loose ends. The drywall guy and I hung out until 11 when Ryan got home. I showered, checked email, and made a list of the things we needed to pick up. We had zero baby items. Due to the remodel that was to be finished in three weeks, all of the baby stuff was at my mom's house. When Ryan got home, we took off to: Costco, Cotton Babies, and my mom's house. My contractions had started around 10:30. They were 7-10 minutes apart and mild. I wasn't convinced that the sensations I was feeling were contractions. They were so mild. We just kept shopping, planning, and timing. Ryan was way more diligent than I was at keeping track of the contractions. Once again, he's so logical like that.

Pita, Mary's daughter and our other midwife, met me at my ma's to see how things were progressing and to check Emily's position. Emily's heartbeat was strong, she was head down, and anterior. AKA: Emily was in the perfect position to enter this world. Pita determined Emily's position by feeling her in my belly. It is so powerful. My OBGYN at the Woman's Clinic had not touched me at all in the 20-something weeks we had seen her. She didn't even measure me. Pita and Mary have such a gentle and healing touch. I cried, in the car, the first time Pita checked our baby's position after one of our classes. I cried because I felt so connected to our baby through her touch. I also felt an enormous amount of confidence and care from Pita. The passion these ladies have for birth is amazing. OK, OK. Back to the story.

Ryan cleaned up the living room and dining room after the drywall guys left. Joe, Ryan's dad, came over to help Ryan move in our couch, a rug, a chair, and some lamps for our birthing team. Thankfully, most of our furniture was next door in Joe's shop. I decided to make a fruit salad and get some drinks made for after the birth. My contractions were about 7 minutes apart and still mild. TJ, Ryan's good friend, came over with cigars and beer. I decided to call it a night at 9. The boys hung out on the front porch. I have to say that I still didn't think we were having our baby yet. I didn't want to be one of those people who jump the gun. Truth be told, I was planning on going to work the following day.

Ryan came inside to shower and snuggle into bed around 11. He woke me up after he washed off the stanky cigar to see how the contractions were coming along. We were to call Mary when the contractions were five minutes apart. Ryan got he iPhone out to time everything accurately. The contractions were between 4 and 5 minutes apart and much stronger. Ryan wanted to call Mary right away. I, however, wanted to establish a pattern before making any calls. Ryan called Mary. He's logical that way.

Nancy, Mary's intern, arrived first. She checked things out, got set up, made sure all the supplies were available, and waited for Mary and Pita to arrive. Pita brought twins who are 15 months old. They are adorable. Our midwife team knew Ryan and I wanted to labor alone. They hung out in our living room for the four hours I was in "hard labor". Pita came down to help me through two contractions while Ryan was filling up the birthing tub. The contractions were very manageable if I was standing and walking around. Lying down was a whole different situation. Ladies, DON'T LIE DOWN WHILE IN LABOR! Mary checked my progress once. It was the worst. It was the worst because I lost it mentally. By "lost it" I mean I mentally freaked a little when Mary said, "I can't tell how many centimeters you are, because the baby's head is right there." Remember, I was in denial about the whole having a baby thing that night. The fact that the head was right there was a little startling. I also started to have a contraction... lying down. Once the contraction passed, I jumped in the pool. Ahhhh, sweet water relief.

I hung out for about twenty minutes in the pool. The contractions were getting more intense. I went through the transition part of labor quickly (thankfully). Ryan was with me the whole time. I can't express what a great birthing partner he was. I knew he would be great, but I didn't realize how much I would need him. I needed him to just be right in front of me, and I needed him to allow me to just hang on to him and look at him. He was an equal participant in Emily's birth. I couldn't have done it without him.

After about 20 minutes in the pool, I needed to go potty. Just potty. Much to my chagrin, Ryan went with me. I did my business, had a contraction, and then decided that I needed to really go to bathroom. I asked Ryan to give me some privacy, but Mary was in the bathroom before I knew it and checking things out. She asked where I wanted to have the baby. I suddenly had no idea where I wanted to be. Ryan stepped in and reminded me of our plan for a water birth. So, back to the pool we went. We were going to have a baby.

Now, this whole labor thing, for me, was totally mental. Ryan and I were so well prepared that we knew exactly what my body was doing and why. This is why I was able to keep it together. I also strive to be connected with my body and to listen to my body. I truly believe that a woman's body is made to give birth. I trusted that. While in the pushing stage, I could feel Emily coming down the birth canal. During the first contraction while pushing, I felt her come down and then go back up a little once the contraction had passed. I decided that wasn't happening again. On the next contraction, I pushed three times and then held her there using my kegal muscles. (Yeah for the birthing exercises we learned about in class.) On the next contraction I pushed three times and out came her head. The "ring of fire" was short lived and not at all what I was expecting. Instead of painful and horrible, it was reassuring and exciting: it meant our baby was seconds from being born. Her body came out right after and she was brought to my chest. It was 3:10AM, and we suddenly became a family of three. Ryan and I were in awe. She was amazing and perfect. Emily and I stayed in the tub for about 15 minutes. Our team let us have those first 15 minutes in private as a family. We could not have been happier.

Pictures were then taken, Ryan cut the umbilical cord, Mary took Emily to check her out and get all her vitals. Pita and Nancy walked me to the shower. I then got into my own lovely bed and watched as Ryan dressed Emily to keep her warm. Our team started the one load of laundry, packed up their belongings, and took off. Ryan, Emily, and I spent the next hour as a new family in our bed. Ryan called the grandparents. The four of them came over at 6 AM. They were all so amazed and in love with her. They were also relieved that the home birth went well. I guess parents never stop worrying.

Our midwife team came back to our home five times over the week following Emily's birth. Our Bradley instructor came to our home to give us a class on breastfeeding because we missed our last class due to Emily's early arrival. We were, and still are, impressed by the level of care we were given by our birthing team and our birth instructor. I can't wait to have another baby!

Sweet Baby Emily

2011-04-10T13:09:00.002-07:00


Photo by Cheyla of Breedlove

I call her Emi. Ryan calls her Sweetheart. My mom calls her Emers. We are all in awe. I'm working on a post all about her birth and how wonderful it was. In the meantime, I wanted to officially introduce her after eight days of her not having a name. We have been crazy busy with baby stuff and getting our house put back together all the while trying to enjoy the family we have visiting. We still can't believe she was almost a month early. We had so much to get done before she came, but it always works out. She was ready to get here. We are so happy she is healthy and happy.

It has been such a joyful time for us. We can't believe how long we can just stare at her. More to come. Ryan has taken over 1,000 pictures. The hardest part will be to chose which pictures to share.

We are off to nap. Happy Sunday!

It's Official!

2011-02-20T10:19:00.002-08:00

I'm in love with the fabric Terry and I found for the nursery. I decided to go with the orange and green color scheme from Kate Spain's Central Park line. Terry, Ryan's mom, is making the: bumpers, sheets, crib skirt, and a pillow for The Baby. I couldn't be more excited. I'll post pictures as soon as I have the finished product.

Below is a similar set-up of the crib bedding. The crib skirt will be the image right below the word "Spain" on the above collage. I love the trees!

Below is the crib we have chosen.

Babi Italia Eastside Crib in Cinnamon

The Little Things

2011-02-11T12:32:00.001-08:00

Inspired by A Serenade for Solitude

Working with an amazing group of women

Teaching and learning from an amazing group of teenagers

Learning a nap is a blessing

The perfect pair of curtains

A full fridge

A full heart

I'm in Good Hands

2011-02-07T12:50:00.000-08:00

Students: When is The Baby coming?

Me: Ten weeks! (cough)

Students: Are you OK, Silby?

Me: Yes. Thanks for asking. Let's get started on that vocab.

Student #1: Are you having contractions? Did your water break? Are you sure you're OK?

Me: It was just a little cough. I'm fine.

Student #2: OK. (pause) Well, if you do go into labor I know how to deliver a baby. I watched Knocked Up.

The Nursery

2011-02-06T09:36:00.002-08:00

I'm feeling the pressure of picking a theme for the nursery. I can't believe The Baby comes in ten weeks (give or take), and we have only three baby items in our possession. Ryan and I have been so great about sticking to the remodel. Oh, we move in today!!! I will post pictures this week.

Back to the nursery. Yesterday, Jois and I went to the fabric store to get some ideas for the bumpers curtains, and such. I just can't stand the idea of our baby having some generic pattern from Babies R Us. Here is my favorite so far.

This picture doesn't show the exact coloring of the fabric, but it is so sweet and it is flannel. Super cozy!

Since we don't know the gender, putting together a nursery is proving to be a little more difficult than I had first anticipated. I want to stay away from a "theme", but I also want the room to feel put together and made specifically for The Baby.

I will head over to Fabric Depot to check out their selection before making any commitments:-). The good news is that we have time. We bust into the main bathroom remodel in two weeks. After the bathroom is complete we will have the wood floors refinished and the walls/ceilings in the whole house textured and painted. We will then put away our tools away and focus on the nursery and starting this new adventure into babyland. Our "rule" is that we will finish all projects by April 1st (besides the nursery). That means I will have to be a slave driver to make sure all the above mentioned projects are started and diligently worked on until the end of March:-). I have a feeling it will all work out just great.

A great blend of Us

2011-01-24T15:56:00.001-08:00

Kari Herer

Absolutly doing this come summer

2011-01-24T15:34:00.004-08:00

Love and Lavender

A "Thankful for Friends Party"?!? What could be more fun and appropriate on a warm summer day? Check out the party and all the details here and here.

I'm working on being a better friend this year. I'm known as a person with few, albeit, close friends. However, I tend to keep to myself most of the time. Ever since I can remember the thought of staying the night at a friend's house felt foreign and not appealing. Yet I love getting together with a bunch of creative, inspiring, and strong women.

"Being a better friend" is hard to define, but I'm working on it. I'm trying to call more often, plan outings that don't revolve around coffee or lunch, and just being more open to hanging out. I'm not sure why it's hard for me to just "hang out" with friends. (Ryan and I are so alike in this way.)

So, this is my goal: I will have a "Thankful for Friends Party" this summer celebrating my dear friends who keep me grounded, sane, inspired, and laughing.

So many opinions

2011-01-22T15:26:00.004-08:00

@22 Weeks

Ryan and I have learned that babies bring all sorts of unsolicited advice and warnings. However, the most ~~annoying~~ interesting are the nay-sayers. You know, those people who like to squash your ideas about your birthing plan, cloth diapers, and the hopes of a toy free living room. I realize Ryan and I don't have children. I realize that we are being idealistic. I want others to realize that we can be.

On a lighter note, our new bathroom and bedroom are so close to being finished. We should be moving in on Monday. We had our first Bradley Birthing class this last week; I'm so excited we found a space that values our commitment to a non medicated birth. So, here's to another great weekend of home improvement and reading my new Sun magazine that arrived yesterday. Yeah.

2010-12-30T09:18:00.003-08:00

I love when the little things speak up loud enough to be seen and appreciated. For example, my morning started with some coffee, cereal, and my computer. Quickly, I became a little perturbed. I got all cozy and suddenly my cereal bowl slipped and spilled all over my blanket and lap. My cat jumped on this once in a lifetime opportunity. I yelled. I hate spilled milk. I was extra irritated due to the fact that I don't have a washer and dryer right now due to us being in the middle of tiling our laundry room. (I'll add this giant blanket to the pile of things to wash at my mom's.) Then something happened. I read this blog post. Of course! The little things that really aren't so little. I love that I can wake up to coffee, a cozy home, and a wonderful cat to cuddle, a dog to love on, and a mom that lives right down the street with a fully functioning laundry room. Life is great and good and lovely.

Stoked

2010-12-29T22:33:00.000-08:00

Ryan and I are almost done with the bedroom, bathroom, and laundry room addition. Wow, what a job it has been. The finishing touches are proving to be the most time consuming, if that is possible, and patience testing. Ryan and TJ built the new cabinets for our built-in bookshelf today, the molding is waiting to be placed after the carpet guy comes tomorrow, and the tile is happily drying securely to the concrete floor. My mom, TJ, and I painted last week (love it). I'm just beyond stoked to have a finished space that was created by Ryan, the people we love, and I.

The winter break has been amazing, and I'm actually looking forward to returning to work. I'm starting a new unit that was inspired by students. I love how creative I get to be in my job. I'm not sure it gets any better.

Oh wait, it does get better. The baby is growing and growing. We were able to see some glimpses of our little baby a few weeks ago. I just sit and stare at the pictures for way too long dreaming about the myriad directions our lives will take us in four short months.

I will post pictures of the home improvement project on another post very shortly. I can't wait to show off all our hard work. I'm so thankful to have such a handy husband, helpful mother, and great friends to help make our home projects a reality. Yeah for good people!

Love it/Need it ("it" is inpiration)

2010-12-29T22:10:00.001-08:00

SourTang

Tis the Season

2010-12-06T21:53:00.002-08:00

My friend and mentor, Jois, likes to call this time of year "the season to be jolly". Of course she says this in her friendly sarcastic way. I'm starting to agree with her, however, this last weekend was a great kick off to our season full of jolliness. Enter: Our Christmas tree.

The senior boys were selling trees for a fundraiser. I decided to take advantage of the opportunity to help out some kids and to make the ordeal of getting a tree very easy. Easy it was. I picked up the tree, Ryan brought it inside, and we had a great time decorating the tree while sharing Christmas memories. We finished our evening by watching A Christmas Story. It's our new tradition. Yeah!

I also bought two wreaths from the horticulture kids. (Word has gotten around that I'm a sucker for fundraisers.) I hung one wreath on our door and gifted the second to my mom. They smell and look wonderful!

All I need to get is a tree skirt and we'll be set for the holidays. I guess it would be good to get some thoughtful gifts under the tree as well.

Home Sweet Home

2010-11-28T22:10:00.005-08:00

Ryan carving the oven roasted turkey

Ryan and I headed over north of Spokane for the Thanksgiving holiday. I needed those five days off. We had a great time with family. The food was delicious, and Ryan was able to get some hunting in. We had an all around good time, however, it felt good to get home and relax by the fire before the week starts again tomorrow.

Mom and I baking pies

"Snipe" Hunting

As for all other good things in our life, the baby is growing so much and school is rocking. We start reading A Raisin in the Sun tomorrow. I'm happy to finally be settling into the role of official teacher. This year has brought us so much to be thankful for! I hope you all enjoyed your holiday as well.

What is up

2010-11-15T21:10:00.007-08:00

I landed a teaching job. I coach the debate team. We are expecting our first baby May 3rd. The end.

More to come.

The Rain

2010-09-08T07:12:00.002-07:00

Vector Graphic

Oh how I love these rainy days of September in the great northwest! I love the first fire of the season, Lucy inside and all cuddly, Alley Cat pissed off that Lucy is inside and stealing cuddle time from her, homemade soups, and good books. I love everything about fall!

Fall also means the beginning of school. Unfortunately, I did not get a job. Boo. However, I am all set up to sub, and I feel super lucky to have gotten on the sub list. With all the out of work teachers, it was more difficult than I thought it would be. So, I get to be in the school system/classroom without any planning, grading, or meetings. I can handle that for a year. But only a year. I really wanted to teach right out of the gate.

I have started reading Lolita. It is a tough one to get through. I've been working on it for about two weeks. The subject matter is difficult, but the writing is beautiful. Happy Wednesday!

The Sun

2010-09-01T14:21:00.003-07:00

How can I express my love for this magazine? When I see it sitting in my mailbox, I feel as though the mail person just gave me my first Christmas present... ever. I run into the house, make sure it's silent, put on hot water for tea, grab my blanket, and I get settled to be moved in my soul. I don't agree with everything this magazine suggests, but it always makes me think. It always inspires me. Not once have I been disappointed.

My two mentors gifted me a subscription after I borrowed several, 40, of their archived issues. I just love it. I want to spread my joy to you. Visit their website and subscribe to their ad free fantastic magazine.

I used the magazine as a teaching tool with the juniors as well. It was a powerful week of exploring various "Readers Write" sections and having the students create their own stories based on one-word themes.

Love it, love it, love it.

Cute, cute, cute dress giveaway...

2010-08-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

You should checkout **Happiness is...** because it's a great blog, but also because Shannon is hosting a giveaway for a dress every women should own. Check out the blog and the Shabby Apple website. So many great dresses for any style or occasion.

This dress is from the Paris collection. I need it. Enjoy window shopping!

Must Have Clutch

2010-08-19T09:45:00.003-07:00

While cruising some of my favorite blogs this morning, I found a post about these book inspired clutches on Unstitched. Seriously, The Great Gatsby clutch has stolen my heart. I love this idea! I taught The Great Gatsby this past year. I should get the clutch as a memento for all the good times with 90 juniors in high school. (How's that for justifying a Kate Spade clutch?) Check them all out at the official website. Such good fun.

Official Invisible Review x 2

2010-08-19T09:25:00.005-07:00

Paul Auster

After finishing Invisible by Paul Auster in no less than 24 hours, I contacted my reading buddy, Amy. She too finished in one day. I'm telling you, this book was just what I needed. I was in a reading funk. Sure, the books I was reading were good, however, I wanted to be rattled and sucked into a novel like the little boy who found himself stuck inside a Pepsi bottle while trying to get that last drop of sweet goodness.

Amy and I met up at Portland City Grill for happy hour and book talk. We got started right away while gazing out at the beauty of the great northwest. We laughed at how we underlined the same lines, come to similar conclusions, and blushed while dissecting the sexual tension this book created. I have not experienced writing this captivating in years. Granted I just finished graduate school, but whatever.

**Spoiler Alert**

I found this novel to not be disturbing. This may shock some readers due to the second section that is about incest between a brother and a sister. I have two older brothers. One brother is 18 months older than me, and the other is four years older than me. We are all close, but the idea of anything sexual is disturbing beyond words. Yet, when Auster was telling the love story of these two people, I started to forget they were related, much less siblings. The story is more about two people comforting each other while dealing with pain and the reality of life. I am by no means condoning, accepting, or excusing the inappropriate relationship in this novel, but the powerful relationship brings up, and ties together, the themes of the book: morality, relationships, truth, how people cope, and right vs. wrong.

I just bought The New York Trilogy by Auster and can't wait to read it. Below is Amy's wonderful, and much more academic, review of the novel. Enjoy!

________________________________________________________________________________

**Spoiler Alert**

I had to take a bit of time to think about this book before I wrote a review. Part of me wants to give it five stars because I felt compelled to read it and not put it down. It was totally a book that sucked me in. It feels autobiographical and confessional, but we'll get to that. The other part of me feels like it only rates a 4/4.5 stars because much of the book could be read as the ultimate male sexual fantasy. First, Walker encounters Margot, who is "a cipher, an utter blank" (28), and he proceeds to have fantastic sex with her for a week, an affair actually, though we are told that Walker is supposedly "a person of deep moral integrity, a pillar of moderation" (41). Or rather, we are told third hand. Born tells Walker that is sources tell him that Walker is such a person. This is a good example of the convolutions in this novel.

What Auster has really done here is create a meditation on authorship. Who wrote these stories? Is Auster James Freeman? (Before you answer that question, read Auster's bio and then read this book. It could be Auster's life: went to Columbia, year in Paris, returned to Columbia, all in the years that book takes place). Did Walker have a torrid, incestuous relationship with his sister or was that just another male sexual fantasy as his sister claims? Freeman openly acknowledges that he fleshed out the third section of the book from fragmentary notes, which adds another level of questions about authorship. As a piece of literature, this book would make an excellent discussion piece for a critical theory class who wanted to delve into all those lovely deconstruction questions about whether the author matters or whether we are just making signs that are interpreted by each reader differently, etc.

Moving on from that morass of twistiness, there are the clear borrowings or nods to Goethe's Faust. Anyone who's read Faust must certainly recognize Mephistopheles in Born. There are all the references to Dante's Inferno and the author Bertran de Born that Walker connects with Born from the start. So already we have this walk, ever deeper into the lacuna coil of what may or may not be Walker's imagination. He seems to know everything. His manipulations always lead to the most wicked places, including murder and affairs. Margot in contrast is called an "angel" (27). Walker says that his family was "blessed with the genes of angels" (78). Interestingly, Auster also creates Walker as a man "born sterile" (86). Why? What was the point of that? One possible suggestion would be that angels are androgynous and incapable of procreation. And Lucifer (Satan/Mephisto) was an angel, which leads me to my thoughts about the title of the book.

There are so many subtle ways that Auster uses the word "invisible" in this book. The first time is in this quote: "vanity-that invisible cauldron of self-regard and ambition that simmers and burns in each one of us" (15). Vanity was Lucifer's sin. He thought he was as good or better than God. Walker similar speaks of his "insufferable human perfection" (78). Then there is the invisibility of the "actual" author. Many of the characters are described as invisible or not quite there (cf. Margot's description above). There is the invisible murderer who may or may not have killed the boy in the park (which may or may not be Born). There is the long dead little brother, who is present but invisible as both Walker and Gwyn celebrate his birthday annually and make up a life for him that he's never lived. Also, there is this quote from Oppen:

Impossible to doubt the world: it can be seen
And because it is irrevocable

It cannot be understood, and I believe that fact is lethal. (182).

In other words, if something is invisible, you can doubt it, as you'll find yourself doing with most of this book. But it's delicious doubt, the kind of doubt that makes you want to turn around and reread the book again (another reason for wanting to give it 5 stars). And these are just a few uses of the idea of invisibility.

Add to this the theme of morality. Auster consistently sets up these situations for his characters where the morality is in a great big grey area. So, in a sense, the morality itself is invisible. It's neither here nor there. When Born stabbed the young man under the bridge, was he right to do so because he was defending himself and Walker or was he a brutal murderer who returned to the park later and stabbed the kid 12 more times for fun? When Walker and Margot have their sex bender, is it an affair, or is it just an interlude between two consenting adults, neither of whom is married and one of whom is at the tail end of a bad relationship? Was Walker's mother at fault for her son's death? Should she have been watching him more closely? Or was it a freak accident caused by the hubris of a willful child? When Walker and Gwyn have their summer of incestuous marriage (or didn't if you choose to believe Gwyn), was it really as sick as we think or were they just taking comfort in the familiar? Is the incest taboo a morality system imposed by Western culture and religion or is it more widely believed (sociologists side with the latter, actually)? SO many morality questions. Too many to list here, but you get the picture.

So, I went ahead and gave it five stars because I liked it so much, was intrigued by it, and I suspect Auster is a genius. You might read it differently and just see it as a string of male fantasies and peregrinations that you have no time for. But really that just proves this experiment for Auster ;) Honestly, I think the director from Memento needs to take this book and make a film out of it. Now THAT would be something to see.

~A. K. Huseby

Oh my...

2010-08-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

I blazed through The Color Purple and Invisible. I have decided to not write on my reading experience of the The Color Purple beyond this statement: I started it, took a short hiatus, started it again, and finished it in four hours. It is what it is.

As for Invisible, I can't wait gush. I'm meeting with my other reading half tomorrow to discuss, eat, and discuss some more about this virgin experience with Paul Auster. I can't wait to read more of what he has to offer. I want to sink into my new memory foam mattress topper with an Auster novel immediately. Can you guess how much I enjoyed this novel?

I'm starting another novel today, Half the Sky. It will be a dramatic change from what I have been reading as of late, however, I'm ready for a dose of reality. After reading Auster's Invisible, it's hard to decipher between fact and fiction, reality and the imagination. Ahhh, what a treat summer is.

Happy Wednesday... or is it Thursday?

My Thoughts on Disgrace

2010-08-03T10:29:00.002-07:00

How do I start...

I need to read this short and extremely readable novel again in the near future. I feel as though I missed some of the depth this novel secretly holds due to the simplicity of the writing. I'm not saying Coetzee writes simply, but his writing allows the reader to simply and gracefully move across the pages until suddenly the novel is over, the sun is setting, and the reader, me, is terribly hungry.

There are several overarching themes that are personal and deep. I think that is part of my issue with this novel; I need more time to process my thoughts about the topics and themes that are discussed in Disgrace. I also need more time to unpack all the events that took place within the short 220 pages.

As I said before, I need to read it again. This novel is one that should be read with a pen handy. I would also suggest you give yourself time to take notes, to stop and process what is happening, and to dig deep into the metaphors and themes that are thought provoking and eloquently presented.

I am now reading The Color Purple by Alice Walker. I will start reading Invisible by Paul Auster on Friday. Amy, a fellow book enthusiast, and I will be reading Invisible together. I will try to snag her notes on the novel to post as well. Happy Tuesday!

What I'm Reading

2010-07-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee is on my nightstand waiting to be read. I can't wait to finish it this weekend. So far it does not disappoint. If all goes as planned, I will have a full review for you on Monday. If you can't wait until then, check out two great reviews here and here.

Bonaire 2010

2010-07-15T06:57:00.014-07:00

With my free time, I have started editing our wedding photos (sigh). While browsing through the 1200 pictures, I realized that I have failed to share anything about our honeymoon on this little site. So, here we go. To the left is a photo of me about to go diving on a sunken ship named, The Hilma Hooker. A guy at breakfast had a shirt on that read "I penetrated the Hilma Hooker". I was intrigued. Our surface swim was a bit long, but well worth it. Ryan took several pictures (as always). The ship was sunk on purpose to be used as an artificial reef. Coral reefs are being killed off at a rate that is sickening, but that is not what this post is about. It is about our fantastic trip to Bonaire. Bonaire is considered to be located in South America. Ryan and I are on a quest to dive on all seven continents. We are still unsure if we are going to count Bonaire as S. America. P.S. Bonaire is located off the coast of Venezuela and it's magnificent. Below are some of Ryan's pictures... just in case you don't believe me:-).

I found turtle above at a dive location called, Something Special. Special it was. This turtle was huge! This is the second turtle I have ever seen, and I was super excited. The picture below the turtle is at a shore dive named, Red Slave. Bonaire's main export has always been salt. It still is today. The slaves that did the hard labor lived in huts that were the color of the grade of salt they worked tirelessly to export. The colors of grade were: white, red, blue, and orange. The huts are tiny and face the ocean.

The below image was taken at the beginning of a dive. It is peaceful, a little eerie, and it makes me extremely nostalgic for Bonaire. (To see many more pictures, check out Ryan's link on the upper right side of the page.)

Ahhh, morning

2010-06-27T19:58:00.006-07:00

This is what I love in the mornings: a fresh & pipping hot cup of coffee, flowers (grown by me) in a recycled glass milk jar, the porch swing Ryan built with his own two hands, and beautiful sunshine. Looking forward to this inspirational start tomorrow!

Followed by a Lovely Morning

2010-06-24T09:00:00.032-07:00

I present...the garden! Ryan and I planted our first garden this year. We also built the concrete retaining wall next to the garden this spring. We still need to stain the wall, but I think it's looking pretty good. Ryan is so darn handy! Above is the whole garden and a head of cabbage, to the right is an Asian lily from one of my flower beds, below is about half of our garden, bottom left is our first tomato, and the bottom right shows our blossoming scarlet runner beans. The owl was gift from my mom. I love it.

A Wonderful Evening

2010-06-24T08:26:00.016-07:00

The sun was out and so were we! I made some ribs, melon salad, and was determined to enjoy my evening with Ryan. Enjoy we did. Ryan took the pictures below as evidence. (Featured:our wedding china, Lucy, and Alley Cat.)

...

2010-06-21T10:00:00.005-07:00

People will let you down-they will.
I will let you down. Not intentionally,
but I will.
You may not tell me when I do
You're that kind of person.

For now,
I will revel in the way you look at me.
I know you won't always have that contentment
in your eyes, however,
I may loose the ability to see it before it disappears.

Winding down

2010-06-15T08:30:00.006-07:00

School is winding down. I have finished all my coursework for my certification, and I only have three days of class left. I then present my research (702 project) for my Master's degree. I love the feeling of finishing, but am adjusting to the reality of no longer being a student, sigh, and entering the "real world". I know I will always be a "student", but it will be a change for me.

Also big news, I am going to be an aunt! Ryan's brother and wife are expecting their first child this Christmas. We are so excited!

I have a feeling this year will bring many things to be thankful and excited for. The roller coaster of landing a teaching position continues, however, hopes are high this week. Next week could be a different story.

For now, my thoughts are on my research. I'm discovering the effects of integrating art into an English classroom. So far, so good. The best part: all evidence collected is from the students I taught. I've been gathering surveys, interviews, and examples of their work. This means I get to visit the school. Hopefully, I won't be just a visitor next year:-).

Seriously

2010-06-08T07:03:00.004-07:00

I'm not one to "discover" great music online. My good friend, Abby, so gracefully accepts the challenge of introducing new music to me. However, I stumbled across this blog complete with this music. LOVING IT! Check it out.

P.S.
My favorite is "Ride". So soulful and inspiring.

A Frida Fiesta!

2010-06-06T21:00:00.007-07:00

Thursday night was my Friday night, and I was determined to party like in Mexico. I called Ryan and told him to plan for a fiesta for two... he was intrigued. Little did he know I would be in the kitchen for half the night preparing a meal that would be devoured in silence in less that fifteen minuets. This was a good thing.

I would love to knit or paint, but my creativity seems to burst out in my good old 1950's kitchen. I'm always surprised that the oven turns on. Anyway, with all this school work I needed to let loose, open some sangria, and make Frida Kahlo's "Chiles in Walnut Sauce". This recipe calls for 28 ingredients, 11 kitchen gadgets/utensils, and 2.5 hours. Don't be intimidated. This dish is amazing.

I found the recipe in this cookbook:

The end result:

Oh my! I made up some Mexican rice, red beans, and set the table with fresh flowers from the garden. We used our wedding china and enjoyed the fruits of my labor. Below is the recipe. I only made up six chiles for our dinner, so I froze the remainder of the walnut sauce and filling for another time. When that time comes, the process will only include roasting the peppers, making the egg batter, and frying the chiles up.

A few tips:

-Make the walnut sauce first and put it in the fridge while you're fussing with everything else. (You will need extra 1/2 and 1/2)

-Use your food processor, if you have one, for the walnut sauce. (Thanks Dad and Carey)

-Have someone help with the coating, dipping, and frying of the peppers. Chances are the peppers will split a little, and a spatula comes in handy when delicately putting the delicious peppers in the pipping hot corn oil.

-Use corn oil. It's the right thing to do.

-Don't be afraid if the peppers split a little or a lot. They are supposed to be tender. The egg batter will really help hold it all together.

-Read all the directions before you begin.

-Have fun and realize you are creating a dish from Frida Kahlo's recipe box! Simply amazing.

Enjoy and let me know what happens...or doesn't. It's always good to hear feedback.

Chiles in Walnut Sauce:

12 poblano chiles, roasted, seeded, and deveined
Flour
6 eggs, separated
1 teaspoon salt
Corn oil
3 pomegranates, seeded
Parsley

FILLING

2 pounds ground pork
1 onion, quartered
2 garlic cloves
8 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cups tomato puree
1 apple, peeled and finely chopped
2 peaches, peeled and finely chopped
2 plantains, peeled and finely chopped
1/4 cup candied citron, finely chopped
1/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup blanched almonds, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
Salt and pepper

WALNUT SAUCE

2 cups walnut halves
1/2 cup blanched almonds
1 cup queso fresco (or feta)
1/2 cup half-and-half
1/4 cup sherry
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt

Rinse the chiles and pat them dry. Spoon some of the filling inside each one, being careful not to overstuff. Spread the flour on a plate and turn each chile in the flour to coat lightly. Beat the egg whites until stiff. Beat the egg yolks with the salt. Gently fold the yolks and whites together to make a batter. Dip the chiles into the batter to cover completely.

Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a heavy skillet. Fry the chiles, one or two at a time, until lightly browned. Drain on brown paper.

The chiles can be served cold or at room temperature. Dip the chiles in the Walnut Sauce until completely covered. Arrange the chiles on a platter. Cover with a little more sauce, if needed. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and sprigs of parsley.

To make the filling, place the pork, quartered onion, and garlic in a saucepan. Cover with water and boil for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside, discarding the onion and garlic.

Heat the butter in a large skillet and saute the chopped onion for about 4 minutes, until translucent. Add the tomato puree and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the meat, fruit, citron, raisins, almonds, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes.

To make the Walnut Sauce, puree all the ingredients. If the sauce is too thick, add more half-and-half.

Here's Frida bidding you good luck...at least I imagine she is. Isn't she lovely?

The Garden and Other Happenings

2010-05-21T14:48:00.006-07:00

Ryan and I successfully planted our first garden yesterday afternoon. We have a great variety of tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, rhubarb, raspberries, cucumbers, honeydew, and cantaloupe. We also planted some leeks, red onion, and Walla Walla sweet onions. I'm sure I'm forgetting a few important veggies that we will hopefully be enjoying in the near future, but you get the idea. With that said, some of you may be receiving calls to come get some home-grown goodness before it goes bad.

This last weekend Ryan and I went to Hoodsport with the usual suspects from the Yellow House. We had a great time and love time spent with friends in the water and top side. We enjoyed crab, oysters, and shrimp from right out front of the Yellow House caught by us. It was so delicious.

I'm still waiting to hear about a job. Truth is, I'm going crazy. I want a teaching job in the Fall so bad it hurts. I'll continue to be patient and hope for the best. It always seems to work out. The good news is that Ryan and I have succeeded in making the summer a good one already. We have been so busy and productive around the house that we can't seem to stop.

I truly feel so blessed for my family, friends, and all we have. Life is so good.

Some Time on My Hands...

2010-05-03T09:12:00.006-07:00

Well, my student teaching experience ended on Thursday. To say the least, I was sad. However, I feel as though I won't be gone long. I meet some colleagues, friends, I will know for years to come. And the students were/are wonderful. Wonderful because they allowed me to be myself, teach them, laugh with them, and learn with them. They also scored major points by coming to a party, in my honor, sponsored by my mentor, Jois.

Jois also took it upon herself to assemble a scrapbook made by the students. Each student, 80 juniors, wrote me a letter and some students attached their pictures as well. One student asked, "Will you remember my face?". Needless to say, I cried. Correction, I bawled. Of course I will remember their faces. I will probably remember more than they would like me to remember. I have so many memories from this last year. I can't think of a better profession for me. Everyday flew by, I enjoyed every second, and I miss it already. What's next? I have six weeks left at the University. I will then be a certified teacher with a Masters degree in Teaching. So close!! I had my first interview on Friday. All things went well. I will just have to wait and see. I feel as though I did my best. That's all you can do:-).

Two Books that Make My Heart Sing!

2010-05-03T07:59:00.008-07:00

I read The History of Love first. Miranda gave it to me the weekend before student teaching started.I wanted to hug her and hit her at the same time. I had so much to do, but I couldn't stop reading it. I finished it in one day. I have to read it again. It is one of those books that sticks with you. Truly lovely.

The second must have book was given to me by my wonderful mentor, Jois. I didn't know what to expect at all. It was a little difficult to get into at first. I was reading Extreamly Loud while the students were listening/reading to The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas. I found myself laughing out loud. I was so lost in the book I had forgotten where I was. So great. Just so great.

I'm not sure if you've noticed, but I frequently get books as gifts. I love books. Sometimes I think if I had to choose between books and food which would win. Probably books... but only for the first few days.

The Wedding!

2010-05-03T07:25:00.014-07:00

We did it! It, the wedding, was everything we could have asked for. We laughed, cried, danced the night away, and were thankful for all we have. The night ended at two AM with a bonfire and my feet killing me. We were married outside at Edgefield. We then moved the party inside for dinner, dancing, and all that goes with a reception. The toasts were heartfelt and beautiful. The whole day was beautiful. For those who couldn't make it, you were missed! This first picture above does not show two members of the wedding party, so here they are looking wonderful.

Sorry, that's us:-).

A big thank you to our wonderful wedding party!!

I'm So Sorry!

2010-04-18T22:07:00.002-07:00

I'm alive! So sorry for my lack of writing. I will be back this week for all the fun updates... or at least some fun updates:-).

The Weekend Before the Storm... Student Teaching

2010-01-30T08:14:00.004-08:00

As most of you know, I'm student teaching this semester. I then graduate. (Lots of screaming and jumping up and down while the dogs stare at me like I'm crazy.) I'm very excited.

With that excitement comes a little anxiety. Next week is when I'm left all alone to teach 126 little people. I'm going to take it as a good sign that I'm feeling the pressure. I would like to take a moment to give a shout out to my two girlfriends who are the greatest ever: Miranda and Elissa. These two lovely ladies are student teaching as well. I'm not sure what we would do without each other. Well, I know what we would do, but it wouldn't be pretty. Well, I must get back to working on the unit for the Great Gatsby. Wish me luck:-)!

What happened to cards?

2010-01-25T17:41:00.005-08:00

I was at Target today buying toilet paper and such when I noticed all the Valentine's cards. So, I wandered over to take a gander. Much to my surprise there was a little old lady who was starring intently at a card. I noticed she had plucked it from the section labeled "Granddaughter". She then turned to me and asked me to to read it. She then asked me if people still give cards. This was much to my amazement, because we were standing between two aisles lined with various cards. However, I thought about her statement for a minute and replied that people still give cards, but only a very special few. This made me sad. I can count on my right hand how many cards I have received in the last year (counting 2009). With that said, I bought a few cards and can't wait to send them. Yes, in the mail. You know, with a stamp.

A couple things of note...

2010-01-24T10:36:00.004-08:00

Yesterday was something of a break through for us with the remodel. First, we wired and installed the two new outdoor lights. Second, we hung MORE drywall. Last, but not least, we hung the new bathroom door. I realize this may all seem less than earth shattering, but I haven't had a proper bathroom door since the accidental fire last year. It's the little things in life, people. (When I say "we" I mostly mean Ryan and Harley).

A special thanks to Harley for his help yesterday!

I also made great headway on this darn poetry unit for the kiddos. I'm thinking I will be done with the planning today. Which is great, because I'll be teaching it VERY soon. Nothing like being prepared.

As for the Book Thief, it was wonderful in every way. I cried, laughed, and wondered about what I would do if I lived in that time, in that place. Thank you, Lynn for gifting it to me:-). Please, please, please put it on your list of books to read. It is worth every second. Not many books are as special as this one.

Lazy Saturday

2010-01-16T11:04:00.007-08:00

On this lazy Saturday morning I found two great new blogs. Well, they're new to me:-). You can find them here and here. The lovely photographs and enticing recipes are oh so inspiring. I hope you enjoy! I'm off to address wedding invites...finally.

Oh, I'm also finishing a lesson on poetry for 9th graders. Any suggestions?

Oh, I almost forgot; I'm reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. AMAZING! The narrator is surprisingly charming , the setting is Nazi Germany, and the protagonist is a twelve year old girl who is keeping a dangerous secret. I'll let you know my feelings once I finish. However, I feel this is one of those books you don't want to finish, because that means it's over.

First Snow!

2009-12-29T14:59:00.013-08:00

Ryan called me from work saying, "It's snowing!". Of course, I was hoping that those little snow flakes would move north to our place. About five minutes later the ground started to turn white. I called the dogs, grabbed the camera, and headed out to enjoy our first snow of the season.
Lucy was busy licking the snow flakes as they fell, and Athena was posing for pictures like the cutie she is. After the photo op, Lucy and Athena played while I sipped on my hot chocolate and tried to catch a few snow flakes too. I love today!

Christmas Shopping!

2009-12-18T10:09:00.002-08:00

I had a wonderful day with my ma yesterday! We started the day with brunch at Mother's Bistro. I had a Greek frittata and my mom had the special frittata with potatoes and other lovely goodness. The atmosphere is so elegant and comfortable at Mother's, and the food is amazing!

After brunch we headed out on a shopping extravaganza in downtown Portland and NW 23rd. I don't want to give away details and ruin Christmas, but we did good. After shopping for hours, very hard for me, we went back to my mom's and admired the tree and talked about the upcoming week. It's amazing that my mom and I have never gone Christmas shopping together. It was so much fun, and really took the pressure off finding all the "perfect" gifts. I'm still struggling with getting a few gifts, but the wrapping is done and I'm ready to celebrate!

And so it is...

2009-12-15T08:38:00.004-08:00

So much has happened in last few days. My heart is about to explode with the thought of March being only three months away. Why March? Because March 27th will be the date of "The Big Day" as many are referring to it. Ryan and I, however, are referring to it as the day for our big party in celebration of our marriage. Weird, marriage:-). I can't believe how quickly it already seems to be approaching. I feel good though; I have no stress. Ryan has been full of great ideas and is great at helping me to simply make a decision. So, things done: the dress is bought and here, the site of the above mentioned party has been booked, colors picked, flowers just about finished, and music in the works. All-in-all, everything is going well on the wedding front.

As for all this time I have off, it seems to be taken up by plenty of fun things. I'm going Christmas shopping for the first time with my mom this week. We're doing a little brunch before hand. I'm very excited. I'm visiting a middle school this week as well. I want to catch up with as many girlfriends as possible. I feel as though I haven't had friends for the last few months, excluding my MIT-ers of course.

I'm also working on my unit for The Great Gatsby that I will teach in February. I want as much of the planning done before hand as possible. We'll see.

Ryan has made crazy progress on the new room and bathroom. With the help (motivation) of Harley, Ryan has: set the shower, installed the fan and light, and hooked up the heater. In no time we'll have it finished! To say the least, VERY EXCITING!

Well, I hope you all are enjoying the winter weather and enjoying the preparations for the upcoming holidays. Till next time!

The End is Nearing

2009-12-06T17:16:00.005-08:00

It's been a long road these last five months. But, it's the last week of school, and I have only one assignment left to finish. There are so many things I want to accomplish during the next month I have off. More to come... I must finish this last assignment!

Tonight's Dinner

2009-11-29T19:39:00.007-08:00

My mom would make this dish every now and again when I was kid. It always felt like a special occasion when she made them, maybe this is why I always have to gear up for the "big production" before I pull out the lean ground beef and start chopping the onion. Truth is, these meatballs are super easy to make, and the sauce can't be messed up. You can even make the whole dish ahead of time and throw everything, meatballs and sauce, in a slow cooker for all the flavors to mix and mingle.

These hearty sweet and sour meatballs have become a favorite of Ryan's and mine. It will be one of those dishes I make until I'm eighty, and that our future children will be sick of by the time they're ten.

So, try out the recipe below for a good almost-winter dinner. I serve the meatballs over jasmine rice. Dry sake is a nice touch too. Enjoy!

What you'll need for the meatballs:
1 lb hamburger
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons finely chopped onions
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 egg
(I always add in a little cayenne pepper)

What you'll need for the sweet and sour sauce:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 (13 ounce) can pineapple chunks
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 small green pepper, chopped

To make the meatballs:

Mix all the ingredients for the meatballs together. Shape into balls. (Insert joke here)

Cook meatballs over medium heat, turning occasionally until brown, about 20 minutes.
Place meatballs in a bowl and set aside.

For the sauce:

Mix brown sugar and cornstarch in the same pan you made the meatballs.
Stir in pineapple (with syrup), vinegar and soy sauce.
Heat to boiling, stirring constantly, reduce heat to simmer.
Add the meatballs.
Cover, simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes.
Stir in green peppers.
Cover and simmer until green peppers are crispy-tender, about five minutes

(Thanks,Betty Crocker)

Welcome to the "new" blog!

2009-11-29T12:09:00.002-08:00

I have decided to focus on the blog more and Facebook less. I will be posting on a larger variety of topics. It seems like all I've been writing about is school, house, school, house. (I feel like I should throw in ROCK). Is that show still on? Anyway, check back for recipes, pictures, and other odds and ends. Thanks for reading!

Thankful

2009-11-28T18:53:00.002-08:00

This Thanksgiving flew by. Ryan and I made the journey up to my dad's for the day and dinner. We had a great time and realized that turkey is meant to be smoked. I made an apple pie, the turkey gravy, and a sweet potato dish. The dinner was enjoyed. Little Kylie Rae is growing up so fast. She also happens to have a crush on my man, typical little sister:-).

I'm trying to finish all my school work this weekend and Monday. So far, so good. It feels great to have an end in sight. I'm looking forward to Christmas, "Winter", break. I'm hoping to texture and paint the dinning room and living room walls and ceilings. Wish me luck. I'm pretty motivated. However, with all this school work, I may be in a coma for the first week!

Agggg...

2009-10-31T18:24:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Tully's on 78th! I must say I haven't been productive this last week, and it makes me wonder, WHAT IS GOING ON WITH ME??? I should be busy, I am busy. But it's not with what I should be busy doing. I should be writing my assessment plan, finishing a unit on Frankenstein, and I should be reading all those wonderful "teacher books" I absolutely treasure. I think I'm afraid to go all out. Wow, I said it. Once I start reading and writing, I don't stop. Suddenly, nothing matters and time gets away from me. What is wrong with this? Nothing, as long as I don't plan on going to class, seeing Ryan, having friends, or feeding the dogs. OK, enough with feeling sorry for myself. I'm working steadily now. Actually, I'm blogging.

Fall is Here!!

2009-10-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

Well, the backyard was seeded just in time for the rain, and blades of grass are shooting up everywhere. Whoo hoo! I have been busy making soup, student teaching, and going to night classes. I'm excited for the upcoming holidays which means some much needed free time!!!

My mom had her annual Autumn party this last Sunday. We made tacos, carved pumpkins, watched football, and even tried Mitch's new inverter machine (scary). It was a great evening, but of course we missed Ryan greatly! He is doing well up in Alaska, and we're planning on him coming home for the wedding in March.

I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and hopefully a dive vacation late December. Ryan and I are starting to get antsy:-).

I hope you all have a safe and fun Halloween!

Jazz it Up

2009-09-13T12:50:00.004-07:00

Last night, Ryan and I went out for TJ's birthday to a fabulous jazz club in the Pearl District. The food was Greek inspired and the music was definitely worth the cover charge. The evening was just what I needed: relaxing, energizing, decadent, and full of friends. It's so nice to be out with friends and enjoying the company. Our friends are so easy... in a good way:-). Happy Birthday, TJ!

Nichole is Leaving the Nest

2009-09-13T12:46:00.000-07:00

Nichole is moving to D.C. and will be missed greatly! Although I'm sad she is going so far away, I'm also so excited for the adventure she is embarking on. Good luck good woman and do stay in touch. I would hate to have to come to D.C. to find you and give you a hug:-).

Student Teaching

2009-09-13T12:16:00.001-07:00

The school year has begun and I have found myself in the thick of it. Attending night classes after being at the high school all day has given me a new appreciation for my home. Nothing feels better than the couch, a good movie, and Ryan next to me.

My new classroom consists of: two freshmen classes, a junior honors class, and a senior college prep class. They are great! The freshmen are my favorite for sure, but the other two classes are interesting as well. The freshmen aren't jaded yet. They still listen, care, and seem genuinely interested. I dig it.

The big surprise is the technology in the classroom. I'm old school, but I didn't realize how old school. Needless to say, this will be a huge learning experience for me. I will learn to master the computers and Smart Board as well as all the other teacher stuff that goes with a classroom: classroom management, assessment, lesson planning, counselor, and educator.

Not the big surprise, I'm SO excited! Ryan always says, "You're always excited". To that I say, "And?".

Dinner, old school

2009-08-06T18:51:00.000-07:00

On the top of my summer to-do-list is, "Make dinner every night". I have accomplished this goal thus far... for the most part. Tonight I decided to make an old family favorite, Betty Crocker's Stuffed Green Peppers. My mom used to make these when we were kids, and surprisingly, we loved them.

My mom is a great cook of about ten specific meals. I love her spaghetti, her hamburger corn pie, and her amazing hostess skills. When you go to my moms, you are the guest. And it's good to be the guest. Somehow she remembers what everyone's favorites are and plans accordingly to who is coming. She is the greatest.

So, as I was scrapping out the membranes of the green peppers, drinking my new favorite Valpolicella wine, and listening to Ben Harper, I found myself drifting back to being ten and waiting patiently for dinner to be served. Dinner was always somewhat hectic at our home. The boys were running around or playing Nintendo, my dad would be watching TV or in the garage, and my mom and I were always setting the table and making dinner. I wouldn't say we had "chores", but we had roles, and I knew mine. Now, while I set the 14 tables at the restaurant, I can't help but think my life has come full circle:-).

Sitting down and having dinner as a family was a finish to the day when I was a kid. I hope to carry on that lost tradition in our present culture. So tonight, Ryan and I will sit and have Stuffed Green Peppers with wine. I love a well balanced meal!

Cheers! Thanks Mom!

Salmon Fishing!

2009-08-02T17:17:00.001-07:00

Ryan and I decided to take a break from the heat and go Salmon fishing with Joe in Depot Bay, OR. I'm so happy we did! Everyone caught their limit, 3, in record time. The boat left a little before 7 am, and we returned by 10:30. There were many throw backs with 12 anglers on the boat, and the poles were dancing all morning!

As you can imagine, we have some salmon to smoke, eat, and freeze. I hope you enjoy the video below!

Summer: The beginning of the end

2009-07-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

Summer break is quickly approaching its end, and I'm starting to panic. I didn't organize a single closet, I failed to re-organize the kitchen, and blogging once a week turned out to be just good intentions. However, my reading list is shorter and working five or six days a week turned out to be a good use of time.

I'm looking forward to returning to school and beginning my internship experience. I'm finding myself a little sad about working only one day a week at the restaurant once school starts, but that's the way it goes. I'm thankful for the one day a week... and the wine discount:-).

Speaking of wine, the wine dinner with Small Vineyards was beyond amazing! Savory food and perfect wine pairings created an atmosphere that was intoxicating. Conversation flowed heavier than the wine, and the laughter was contagious. One couldn't help but smile and shove more food in their mouth:-). I was surrounded by girlfriends who enjoy good food and wine as much as I do. White wine is growing on me, I must admit. However, the Barbaresco stole the show paired with a medium rare ribeye steak. The whole night was spectacular. A big "Thank You" to Thomas Kelly and Small Vineyards!

The Infamous Crash...

2009-06-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

The weekend started out great! Ryan, TJ, and I were off to get me new riding gear to go dirt biking. So, with my new outfit, "gear", we drove off past Brown's camp to find the perfect camping spot. Once unloaded, we fired up the bikes and took off.

The wind in my hair, my new get-up looking good, and finals a million thoughts away, I got comfortable on my Honda CR 125. The boys took it easy on Saturday, letting me settle in. After riding for a few hours, we set up our tents and made sausage dogs over the camp fire. Talk turned to memories and future plans for riding and camping all summer. I turned in early around 8:30, falling asleep while reading Love in the Time of Cholera.

Sunday morning was beautiful. We ate breakfast, geared up, and rode away. We started going on some fun trails. I was doing really well! After a few more trails we came upon my new arch nemesis...

Ryan and TJ went up the steep rocky incline perfectly. Ryan gave me some detailed instructions before making sure I wanted to try the "big hill". I snickered and said, "yeah, I can do it!" The boys gazed down as I revved up the two-stroke motor and took off, determined to show that I could do it too.

Well, the bike hit the power band at just the right moment, threw me off, popped a wheely, hit a tree, went vertical, and fell right on top of my right leg. Ouch! Ryan ran down to get the bike off me while I tried to figure out how to breathe and let the tears fall.

Thanks to my gear, I didn't break my leg. It's bruised down to the bone from my knee to the top of my ankle. So for now, I'm laid up and not moving. The doctor said I should be walking by Friday IF I stay off my feet and ice, ice, ice. Ryan is taking great care of me. However, I don't think I can eat take-out another night:-).

Unfortunately, it's finals this week. Although my professors are being more than understanding, I'm missing all the presentations and last day excitement before summer begins. I may be able to make it tomorrow, but it doesn't look like it. My flowers are also suffering a little. Not to mention Lucy and Alley. My mom took Athena for the week, which I'm so grateful for.

So, I will post pictures as soon as Ryan transfers them to my computer...

The Remodel...

2009-05-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

If work, school, and planning a wedding isn't enough, Ryan and I have also been remodeling the house in chunks. As of this month, the backyard is on our list . Ryan assures me we will have a beautiful patio and grass in the next month or so. And with our progress over the last few weeks, I think we're on track!

We split and stacked at least 5, yes five, cords of wood! The backyard is clear and surprisingly huge! Athena and Lucy are devastated they can't play "Queen of the Hill" anymore on the wood piles, but they are enjoying running around and digging to find lost tennis balls and other mysterious objects.

With the wood in it's own area, I can finally start to visualize my dream outdoor space. Now, all we have to do is plant and pour... it shouldn't be too hard, right?

My mom and I planted a wide variety of flowers out front, and they still look great a month later! The hanging baskets are full and vibrant. The porch swing seems to be my resident space for reading the endless amounts of articles and chapters for this summer session of school.

I'll keep you posted on our progress!

Engaged!!

2009-04-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

That's right, Ryan and I are engaged as of March 29th. We are excited to begin this new stage of our lives together and look forward to creating many more memories. As for the details, we aren't sure yet, but will let everyone know when we do:-). For pictures from our engagement weekend in Friday Harbor, check out Ryan's website.

School Update

2009-03-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

The semester is at the half way point and I'm feeling it! The group work seems overwhelming, the readings are insightful, and the hundreds of new lesson plans are being kept safe in a vault for that first year of teaching on my own.

The most interesting thing I've learned so far is the need for inter-thematic units= lessons that can be used across multiple disciplines. For example, just think if the math, science, English, and history departments worked together in order to teach all the effects flight has had on humans. It could be very interesting for all involved. One can hope...

Speaking of hope, I hope everything I'm learning now is practical enough for everyday use in the classroom. I hope there is a classroom for me to teach in once I complete school. I hope to have the knowledge needed for teaching the students of today. I hope to make a positive difference.

Did a teacher make a difference in your life? Good, bad, indifferent? What is it that makes you remember that teacher?

Work Weekend...

2009-03-16T15:54:00.001-07:00

Although nervous at first, Ryan and I couldn't be happier with the results of the work weekend! We had twelve handy friends come over on Saturday morning to paint the kitchen, primmer trim, and sheetrock. Of course there are the random trips to Home Depot, wiring, and all the measuring that took place as well. I'm always amazed at the amount of work a group of people, with the same goal, can accomplish. I will post pictures of our progress and the work weekend this weekend. With that said, here are the thank yous:

Bev: Thank you for your skills with measuring and sheet-rocking! Thank goodness for your girly tools too:-).

Harley: I'll make sure to take you as often as I can to Home Depot, you really know that place.

Sandy: Thank you for your time and great suggestions! Your painting talent is pretty great too.

Don: I'm not sure of all you did down in the "man cave", but thank you for all your help and time!

Mom: Did you acquired patience before, or after, raising kids? Either way, I could use some of yours! Thank you for your help on the trim and clean up. I couldn't have done it without you.

Mitch: I still can't believe you stacked all that wood! Thank you!

Joe: Hooray for no more kitchen fan that doesn't work! Thank you for coming over and all your help!

TJ: Ryan voted not to thank you, but of course I will:-). Thank you for spending your Saturday setting the french doors! I love them. Ryan says thanks too.

Matt: Thank you for putting in the door! It looks so nice:-). I know you could have been doing a million other things on a rainy Saturday, and I'm happy you decided to come over and help.

Stacey: Thank you for your help and the handy tools you brought over. It was nice to chat and get that kitchen painted.

Nick: Well, I'm not sure what you did down there either, but I know I saw you with lots of power tools working away. Thank you for your help; the room looks really nice.

Isabella: Thank you for entertaining the cat and making some great potatoes in the fire:-). Your help with painting the doors is also appreciated:-).

CoCo View 2009

2009-03-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I took our second annual trip to Roatan and had a great time! We left at 11:59 on February 27th and didn't look back:-). Our trip was filled with amazing diving, good friends, and even a little pedal bike riding.

Our dive boat was filled with 18 fun-loving divers! Every dive was unique and full of life. Thankfully, I've finally acquired a taste for the tiny sea critters which transforms every dive into a treasure hunt. Ryan took about 500 pictures all of which can be found at www.ryansilbernagel.smugmug.com.

SCUBA!

2009-02-02T16:41:00.001-08:00

Ryan and I had a great time the past two weekends up in Hoodsport,WA diving with friends. Ryan takes amazing pictures with his underwater camera! He is having a blast testing out all the bells and whistles:-) The pictures will be posted shortly...I promise! As for the diving, the octopus are out in full force right now, and the visibility is pretty good.

My first dive of the weekend was the biggest learning experience yet. Alex, Harley, and I had a great dive where I really had to pay attention:-). I'm so used to having the best dive buddy ever, Ryan. However, I've noticed I have become lazy in: navigating, searching for the smaller sea life, and overall awareness. I'm not planning on trading in my buddy, yet it was nice to gain some experience, and confidence, with Alex and Harley.

On our second dive, Harley and I went one way and Ryan went the other. Unfortunately for Harley and I, Ryan found a giant pacific octopus and played/took pictures for a good forty minutes. Not to be out done, Harley and I found plenty of fish, a HUGE wolf eel, and other fun critters. Above is the head of a giant pacific octopus. The horns are up, and you can see one eye right below one of the horns.

Weekends at "The Yellow House" are always full of great food, good laughs, and enjoying good friends. Ryan and I feel so lucky to have found a place where everyone is there to have a great experience in the water and top-side.

A special shout-out to my mom for always taking great care of Athena on such short notice! Athena loves time at "Grandma's" house:-).

"The Animals"

2009-01-13T21:52:00.000-08:00

I know this is a subject many of you already hear about, however I think Athena, Lucy, and Alley Cat deserve a little post of their own.

Athena: After having her eight(8), yes eight, tumors removed from her eyes last summer, I was feeling like maybe she was on the downward spiral at the tender age of five. However, being the trooper she is, Athena has made a full recovery and is good as new. She is still getting used to sharing time, space, and attention with the other two animals, but as we all know, she is still everyone's favorite:-).

Lucy: Also a fan favorite, recently got her ear bitten off by the neighbor dog through the fence... not cool to say the least. About 1/2 an inch is missing from her left ear, but she doesn't seem to mind too much. It has healed up nicely, and she stays her distance from the fence. Lucy and Athena seem to really enjoy having a play partner in each other.

Alley Cat: Oh, Alley Cat. She runs the house! I can't believe I actually love a cat. She is sassy, fat, and cuddly. Although she has the most annoying squeak instead of the traditional "meow", I still don't mind when she wakes me up in the middle of the night trying to find the most comfortable spot on my face. Alley keeps the dogs away from her food with the slightest glance. Lucy and Alley have always peacefully co-existed. Needless to say, Athena and Alley haven't. However, Alley and Athena have FINALLY gotten used to each other... well, Athena dosen't bolt across the room when Alley enters anymore:-).

The Best Service Ever!

2009-01-13T00:31:00.000-08:00

Organicstoyou.org! Look into it, get it, and love it! This company delivers organic (local, when available) fruits and veggies to your door. You choose the frequency and the amount of goods you need. It comes straight from the farmer. I'm serious, my beets were still covered in mud. I boiled the beets with a little salt, and enjoyed all four in less than 10 minutes. They are friendly, fast, accommodating, and straight up cool. For a busy student who also works, I couldn't be happier knowing every week I will be stocked up on organic/local produce.

The Beginning

2009-01-13T00:16:00.000-08:00

Today was the first day of my Masters program, and I'm stoked! Life feels great. Things are finally taking shape in a concrete way. It's interesting how out of reach some goals seemed not long ago, and now they are right in front of me. This last month has been like finishing a great novel: you want to know how it all ends, but at the same time, you don't want the ride to end just yet. As a wise woman once told me, "The time has come to grow up and shake hands with the world" . I think I'm ready to do just that...